Winter Break Housing
All residence halls will close at 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, for the fall term.
Winter break housing is only available for students living in Neptune, Patterson and Stevenson Towers. Winter break housing is offered from December 13, 2025, until January. 9, 2026. Students in these halls looking to stay during winter break must register for break housing to be eligible.
Please note that it is important to take any critical items you will need during the break period with you, as all residence halls will be locked during break and not accessible until we reopen on January 9, 2026.
Break Housing Cost
You'll be able to sign up for housing over the entire break (Dec. 13-Jan. 9) at the rate of $200.
About Winter Break Housing
Can I stay during winter break?
You can stay in your current space during winter break if you:
- Live in Neptune Complex, Patterson Complex or Stevenson Towers and register for winter break housing.
- Have registered for winter break housing from another residence hall, and space is available in Neptune/Patterson/Stevenson for a temporary stay (separate from your fall/spring housing contract).
- Contracted to live both fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters. Winter break housing is not an option for a new student entering NIU in spring 2026.
If you live in Northern View, your contract already lets you stay through the break if you have a contract for spring semester.
Can I stay during winter break even if I don't live in Neptune, Patterson or Stevenson?
Only current Neptune,Patterson and Stevenson residents can sign up for winter break housing where they currently live.
Will the halls be locked?
All residence halls will be locked during the break. Only students who have signed up for winter break housing will be able to use their NIU OneCard and hall entry card to enter their hall. Students who enter the residence halls without authorization during the winter break could be considered trespassing and subject to disciplinary action.
Main desks and the Northern View main office will be closed during the break.
What dining options are available?
The Huskie Food Pantry closes for the fall 2025 semester on December 11th. If needed, students can stop by the NIU Police Department to pick up food bags generously provided by the Center for Student Assistance. Please note that bags are limited and students may take only one per day. Campus dining locations will be closed during the break, but here are some dining options:
- Retail Dining in the Holmes Student Center - Available from Dec. 15-19 and Jan. 5-9 (excluding weekends)
- Starbucks from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Huskie Grill from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Use Huskie Bucks at select off-campus dining locations.
- See a list of food pantries in the area. Call ahead before visiting these locations to verify their holiday hours.
- Visit the Campus Dining website for more information on where to dine during winter break.
Will mail be delivered?
All residence hall desks will close on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at 10 a.m. Information desks in Neptune Central, Patterson Complex and Stevenson Towers will be open for mail and package pick up Monday through Saturday from 2-3 p.m. with the exception of holidays. Packages ordered through services like Amazon, FedEx, etc. will not be delivered during the break periods. It would be wise not to have items shipped over the break.
If you need immediate assistance at any point, please contact the main front desk number to reach a hall staff member. Hall staff will be available at all times, even during holidays.
Neptune Central: 815-753-1725
Patterson East: 815-753-7631
Patterson West: 815-753-7633
Stevenson Towers South: 815-753-0371
Stevenson Towers North: 815-753-0515
Whom do I call if there is an issue in my hall during winter break?
The front desks in Neptune Central, Patterson Complex and Stevenson Towers will only be open from 2 to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. You can call your hall's front desk number to be connected to the hall staff on duty when the desk is closed. If your concern is a non-emergency facilities issue, you can submit your request online.
What if I don't stay during winter break?
You must leave and return in the spring. Read about moving out for the fall.
Can I cancel my winter break housing?
Cancellations will be accepted until 4 p.m. Central on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025. After that time, all students who apply for winter break housing will be charged $200 (Dec. 13-Jan. 9).
Can I have guests during winter break?
You may only register a student who is also a registered winter break housing resident. All other guests are not permitted during the Winter Break period.